2 Credit Hours May 18–22, 2026 Instructor: Dr. Paul Manos, Duke University Cost: $500.00 This course welcomes students, professional biologists, and plant enthusiasts alike. Centered on the rich botanical diversity of the Highlands Plateau, it provides both an introduction and a refresher on studying vascular plant diversity. Through a community-based lens, participants will explore the flora of the Blue Ridge during field excursions and hands-on identification exercises. Course objectives include: Understanding key distinguishing features among lycophytes, ferns, and seed plants. Learning field characteristics of common and rare species and the habitats they occupy. Developing confidence in using identification keys. Gaining a clearer understanding of the ecology of major regional plant communities and the biogeography of their species. This immersive field experience offers a strong foundation for anyone interested in the botanical richness of the Southern Appalachians.